JP2005328204A - Digital cameras and portable devices - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera capable of improving the operability by always performing the same operation regardless of a change in the relative positional relationship between a user and a display screen.
SOLUTION: Display means capable of rotating a position with respect to a camera casing, means for detecting rotation of the display means and determining the orientation of the display screen, and a multi-directional operation member for operating the screen displayed on the display means And a control means for controlling the function of the operation by the multidirectional operation member, and when the determination means detects that the orientation of the screen has been changed, the control means functions as a plurality of operation sections of the multidirectional operation member. A digital camera characterized in that the assignment is changed according to the orientation of the screen.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera and other portable devices having an operation member and display means capable of changing a position with respect to the operation member.

Digital still cameras and digital video cameras (hereinafter collectively referred to as digital cameras) include a display device (monitor) that displays captured images and camera function setting menus. Some screens can change the orientation of the display screen toward the subject. (Patent Document 1)
The user of the camera faces the display screen to check and operate the display screen, but the functions of the multiple operation switches on the camera are fixed regardless of the position of the user with respect to the camera, and are May be operated by mistake. This is because the number of operation switches has increased due to the multi-functionality of the camera.

  Further, portable devices other than digital cameras, such as mobile phones with a rotatable liquid crystal screen, which have been put into practical use in recent years, have the same problems as described above.

JP 06-98210 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera that improves the operability by allowing the user to always perform the same operation regardless of the position with respect to the camera when the user operates the camera. Another object of the present invention is to improve operability when the orientation of a display means is changed with respect to an operation member in a portable device including a digital camera.

  The digital camera of the present invention includes a display means that can rotate its position with respect to the camera housing, a means for detecting the rotation of the display means to determine the orientation of the display screen, and a multi-operator for operating the screen displayed on the display means. A directional operation member, and a control means for controlling the function of the operation by the multidirectional operation member. When the determination means detects that the orientation of the screen has been changed, the control means performs a plurality of operations of the multidirectional operation member. This is characterized in that the function assignment of the part is changed according to the orientation of the screen.

  The multidirectional operation member is preferably provided on the upper surface of the camera housing. The display means is preferably rotated so that the display screen can be viewed at least in the front-rear direction of the plane perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, the display means may be supported so as to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis.

  In the digital camera of the present invention, it is preferable to provide function notifying means for notifying (identifying) the function of each operation portion of the multidirectional operation member assigned by the control means. For example, if a light emitting means having a plurality of color light emitting parts such as LEDs is used as a function notification means, and the light emission color of the operation part is switched according to the judging means, the user can easily recognize and a more preferable structure is obtained.

  In addition, when applied to an external device equipped with a monitor and a type of digital camera that can be connected by a connector, connector connection detection means is provided, and when the connector connection detection means detects connection of a connector, the multidirectional operation member It is preferable to prohibit function changes.

  The digital camera according to the present invention also includes a display unit capable of rotating a position with respect to the camera case, a multidirectional operation member having a plurality of operation units for operating a screen displayed on the display unit, and a display for the camera case. And a function control means for changing the function assignment of the multidirectional operation member to a plurality of operation sections in accordance with a change in the rotational position of the means.

  The present invention also relates to all portable devices including a digital camera, display means capable of changing the screen position with respect to the operation unit, means for detecting the position change of the display means and determining the orientation of the display screen, An operation member provided in the operation unit for operating the screen displayed on the display means and a control means for controlling the function of the operation by the operation member, and detecting that the screen orientation has been changed by the judging means In this case, the control means changes the operation function of the operation member according to the orientation of the screen.

  According to the present invention described above, a digital camera and other portable devices having excellent operability can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on illustrated embodiments. The digital camera 10 has a camera housing 11 with a built-in photographing optical system (imaging optical system). The camera housing 11 has a box-shaped (square tube) shape that is long in the direction along the optical axis O of the photographing optical system, and its outer surfaces are a body front end surface 11a and a body rear end surface 11b that are substantially orthogonal to the optical axis O, and this body front end. A body upper surface 11c, a body lower surface 11d, a body right side surface 11e, and a body left side surface 11f are formed by connecting the surface 11a and the body rear end surface 11b to surround the optical axis O. In the present embodiment, the vertical direction in FIG. 3 is the vertical direction in the digital camera 10, and the horizontal direction is the horizontal direction. Further, a direction parallel to the optical axis O (hereinafter referred to as an optical axis direction) is defined as a front-rear direction in the digital camera 10, and the body front end surface 11a side is defined as the front and the body rear end surface 11b side is defined as the rear.

  A front lens LF located closest to the subject in the photographic optical system is exposed on the body front end surface 11 a of the camera housing 11. The front lens LF may be a single lens or a lens group. The photographing optical system is a zoom lens system and includes a plurality of lens groups in addition to the front lens LF. The photographing optical system is an inner zoom and inner focus type photographing optical system in which the lens barrel is not extended during zooming and focusing, and the front lens LF does not move forward from the illustrated position.

  Operation-related buttons such as a power button 13, a mode dial 14, a playback button 15, a menu button 16, and a cross key 17 are provided on the body upper surface 11c of the camera housing 11 in a region close to the body rear end surface 11b. The power button 13 is an operation member for turning on and off the main switch of the digital camera 10, the mode dial 14 is an operation member for selecting various shooting modes, and the playback button 15 displays (reproduces) a recorded image on the liquid crystal display unit 32. ). The cross key 17 is a momentary switch that can be operated in a plurality of directions, and specifically, four operation units (switch units) S1, S2, S3, and S4 that can be pressed in two orthogonal directions (four directions). And an operation unit (switch unit) S0 that can be pressed by a pressing operation at the intersection of the two axes (see FIGS. 1 and 2). When the menu button 16 is operated, various setting modes can be entered, and functions can be selected and set by operating the up / down switches S1, S2 or the left / right switches S3, S4 of the cross key 17. Setting items by the menu button 16 are a recording screen size, image quality, white balance, sensitivity, and the like, but are not limited thereto. The cross key 17 is also used for switching an image reproduced on the liquid crystal display unit 32 by using the left and right operation switches S3 and S4.

  A pop-up strobe 18 is disposed in front of these buttons. The pop-up strobe 18 can be switched between a pop-up state in which the light-emitting portion projects upward from the camera housing 11 and a storage state in which the light-emitting portion is housed in the body upper surface 11c. Is shown. A memory card lid 19 is provided in the vicinity of the ridgeline between the body upper surface 11c and the body right side surface 11e. When the memory card cover 19 is opened, an opening of a memory card slot (not shown) is exposed, and the memory card 61 (FIG. 6) for recording image data can be inserted into and removed from the memory card slot.

  On the body left side surface 11f of the camera housing 11, a strobe mode button 20, a self-continuous shooting button 21, a focus are provided at substantially the same position in the front-rear direction as the various buttons on the body upper surface 11c. Mode buttons 22 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the optical axis direction. The strobe mode button 20 is an operation member used for controlling the light emitting unit of the pop-up strobe 18 and can switch between strobe related modes such as forced light emission, light emission stop, and red-eye prevention light emission mode. The self-continuous shooting button 21 is an operation member for selecting a drive mode at the time of shooting. In addition to a normal drive mode (only one shot is taken simultaneously with the shutter release operation), a self-timer shooting mode, an auto bracket mode, etc. Can be selected. The focus mode button 22 is an operation member for selecting a focus mode, and can select a macro shooting mode, an infinity shooting mode, a manual focus mode, and the like in addition to a normal autofocus mode. In addition, a speaker opening 23 is formed slightly forward of the strobe mode button 20 on the left side surface 11f of the body, and an external connector cover 24 is provided below the speaker opening 23. The external connector cover 24 can be opened and closed (or detached) with respect to the left side surface 11f. The camera corresponding to the external connector cover 24 is provided with a jack board, and an AV jack used for connection with an AV device such as an external monitor and an adapter jack to which a power adapter is connected are provided. These jacks are exposed to the outer surface side of the digital camera 10 by opening the external connector cover 24 so that connectors can be connected.

  A liquid crystal monitor block 25 is supported on the body rear end surface 11b side of the camera housing 11 via a hinge portion 26 provided at a ridge line (boundary) portion between the body rear end surface 11b and the body upper surface 11c. The hinge portion 26 includes a pair of support arms 27 provided on the camera housing 11 side so as to be separated from each other in the left-right direction, an intermediate support portion 28 that is sandwiched between the pair of support arms 27 and supports the liquid crystal monitor block 25, and an intermediate support portion. 28 is provided with a pair of shaft pins 29 protruding in the left-right direction and rotatably inserted into shaft holes in the respective support arms 27, and the support arms 27 and the intermediate support portions 28 are relatively rotated via the shaft pins 29. It is possible. The axis X1 of the axis pin 29 is directed in the left-right direction of the camera orthogonal to the optical axis O, and the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is on the rearward extension of the optical axis O and adjacent to the body rear end surface 11b. It is possible to rotate between a storage position to be lifted and an upright position (FIG. 5) that lifts the edge opposite to the intermediate support portion 28 to a position higher than the hinge portion 26. In the storage position, the liquid crystal display unit 32 of the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is positioned in a plane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis O.

  The frame portion 25a of the liquid crystal monitor block 25 has four side edges that surround the rectangular liquid crystal display portion 32. In the storage position where the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is adjacent to the body rear end face 11b as shown in FIG. The three edges excluding the edge contacting the intermediate support 28 are substantially flush with the body lower surface 11d, the body right side surface 11e, and the body left side surface 11f (see FIG. 3). ).

  In the state of FIG. 4 where the liquid crystal monitor block 25 faces the body rear end surface 11b, the liquid crystal display unit 32 faces the rear of the camera (a state indicated by hatching in FIG. 4). Then, when the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is rotated from the state of FIG. 4 about the axis X1 and is erected as shown in FIG. 5, the liquid crystal display unit 32 faces the front of the camera. The state in which the liquid crystal display unit 32 is directed forward is suitable for face-to-face shooting in which the photographer uses himself as a subject. Although FIG. 5 shows a state in which the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is raised about 180 degrees, the hinge portion 26 is a friction (or click) that can stop the liquid crystal monitor block 25 at any other angular position. It has a mechanism.

  4 and 5, the top and bottom directions on the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 32 are reversed, but the digital camera 10 detects a change in the position state of the liquid crystal monitor block 25. 29a (see FIGS. 1 to 3) and image control means (such as a CPU 50 described later) for displaying an image in an appropriate state (correct direction as viewed from the photographer) on the liquid crystal display unit 32 based on the detection means. It has. The detecting means 29a is provided with a projecting pin and a micro switch around one shaft pin 29, and is configured to detect the standing rotation of the liquid crystal monitor block 25.

  A grip 40 for gripping is provided on the body right side surface 11 e side of the camera housing 11. The grip 40 has an elongated box shape (square tube) like the camera housing 11, and is rotatable with respect to the camera housing 11 via a rotation shaft substantially parallel to the axis X 1 of the shaft pin 29. It is supported. On the grip 40, a shutter button 45, an annular zoom operation lever 46 surrounding the shutter button 45, and a recording button 47 are provided. The shutter button 45 is an operation member for taking a still image, and can perform photometry and distance measurement by half-pressing the button, and shutter release (still image taking) can be performed by fully pressing the button. The photographing mode and the like at this time are appropriately set by the above-described operation members provided on the body upper surface 11c and the body left side surface 11f. On the other hand, the recording button 47 is an operation member for shooting a moving image. When the recording button 47 is pressed, recording of the moving image is started, and when the pressing is released, the recording is stopped. Both still images and moving images are recorded in the recording memory of the memory card 61 as electronic image data through processing by the image processing means. In addition to the memory card 61, an image recording memory may be built in the camera body 11.

  Next, control blocks provided in the camera of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, only main blocks according to the present invention are shown, but a normal shooting and playback function of a digital camera is provided although not particularly shown. The imaging unit 51 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the optical system from the imaging device, and performs predetermined image signal processing of the output. The image data processed by the imaging unit 51 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor block 25 or displayed or recorded in the recording memory by the CPU 50. The image data recorded in the recording memory can be displayed and output to the liquid crystal monitor block 25 or the external monitor 59 by setting the playback mode by operating the playback button 15.

  The rotation detection switch 53 includes the above-described detection means 29 a configured by a pin provided on the shaft pin 29 of the liquid crystal monitor block 25 and a microswitch, and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 switches the top and the left of the display screen of the liquid crystal monitor block 25 in accordance with the output from the rotation detection switch 53, and further assigns the functions of the operation units (switches) S1 to S4 of the cross key 17. In accordance with the functions assigned to the operation units S1 to S4, the LED 58 notifies the photographer of the operation units S1 to S4 of the cross key by a predetermined color or display. For example, FIG. 8 shows an example of notification by color display. When the operation units S1 to S4 have the UP function, the operation unit is displayed in red. Similarly, the DOWN function is blue and LEFT. The function is displayed in yellow and the RIGHT function is displayed in green. In order to enable such color display, the outer surface of each operation unit S1 to S4 is made of a light-transmitting material, and the LED 58 is disposed inside each operation unit S1 to S4. The function settings of the operation units S1 to S4 are stored in the EEPROM 54 and read and set by the CPU 50 in accordance with the rotation detection switch 53. As shown in FIG. 8, the function A (S1; UP, S2; DOWN, S3; LEFT, S4; RIGHT) is set in the initial setting when the power is turned on, and the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is in the standing state. When the rotation switch detects, it becomes a function B (S1; DOWN, S2; UP, S3; RIGHT, S4; LEFT). Here, the function of each operation unit varies depending on the situation of the camera, but generally UP is controlled to increase / select, DOWN is controlled to decrease / release, RIGHT is controlled to increase / forward, and LEFT is controlled to decrease / reverse.

  The connector unit 55 is composed of the AV jack described above, and is connected to a connector 60 for connecting to an external monitor. When detecting that the connector is connected to the AV jack, the CPU 50 reads the image data from the recording memory of the memory card 61, converts the image data into a predetermined signal, and outputs the signal. Further, when the connector detection unit 56 detects the connection of the connector, the CPU 50 permits the CPU 50 to output the video signal externally, and further changes the setting of the function assignment of each operation unit of the cross key 17 while maintaining the state when the connector is connected. Is prohibited.

  FIG. 7 shows a control flow of the cross key function setting that can be performed by the CPU 50 at a predetermined cycle after the main power source is turned on. The control performed by the CPU 50 is performed according to a program in the ROM. In this control flow, it is determined whether or not the connector 60 is connected to the connector section 55 (AV jack) in S10. If it is connected, the process proceeds to S20 to determine whether or not the cross key 17 is operated. When the connector is not connected, the process proceeds to S12, and the rising / storing state of the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is detected by the rotation detection switch 53 (detection means 29a). Based on the detection in S12, it is determined in S14 whether or not the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is facing the rear of the camera (the storage state shown in FIG. 4). If it is in the stowed state, the process proceeds to S16, where the function A is read from the EEPROM 54, and the function assignment of the cross key 17 is set to the function A, that is, the one used during normal use by the CPU 50. If it is determined that it is not in the stowed state, the process proceeds to S18, and it is determined that the liquid crystal monitor block 25 faces the front of the camera (in the standing state shown in FIG. 5), so that the function B is set. If the cross key 17 is operated after being assigned to each function in S16 or S18, control corresponding to the function assignment in S1 to S4 is performed in S22. If not operated, the process skips S22 and returns.

  Although the function of the cross key 17 has been described above, a more specific example will be described. In the shooting mode, exposure correction is set with the switches (S3 and S4) corresponding to the left and right directions (LEFT; minus, RIGHT; plus), and in the playback mode. The switches (S1, S2) corresponding to the up and down direction perform UP and DOWN movements of the partial display position during the enlarged image display, and the switches (S3, S4) corresponding to the left and right direction perform forward / backward movement of the reproduced display image. While the menu is displayed, a camera function such as an AF function is selected.

  In the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, when a recorded still image or moving image is reproduced on the liquid crystal display unit 32, a usage posture in which a finger is mainly applied to the body upper surface 11c of the camera housing 11 is assumed. Correspondingly, operation members for image reproduction such as the reproduction button 15 and the cross key 17 are provided on the upper surface 11c of the body, and it becomes easy to operate the camera housing 11 while holding it in the above posture. Yes. At the time of image reproduction, the grip 40 may be positioned at the storage end and the right hand may hold the camera housing 11.

  In the above description, the rotation direction of the liquid crystal monitor block 25 has been described only in the longitudinal direction of the optical axis (rotation about the axis line X1). However, for example, in the standing state, the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is rotated around a different axis perpendicular to the optical axis. You may make it move. The digital camera 10 of the embodiment also includes this aspect, and the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is supported by the intermediate support portion 28 so as to be rotatable about an axis X2 orthogonal to the axis X1. More specifically, a shaft pin 30 is provided in the frame portion 25a of the liquid crystal monitor block 25 in the direction of the axis X2, and a shaft hole into which the shaft pin 30 is rotatably inserted in the intermediate support portion 28. Is formed. Accordingly, the liquid crystal monitor block 25 can rotate about the axis X1 and rotate about the axis X2 with respect to the camera housing 11, and as shown in FIG. It is possible to turn the block 25 about the axis X2 so that the liquid crystal display unit 32 is directed left and right. Further, the liquid crystal monitor block 25 can be rotated to the storage position about the axis X1 after being completely inverted at the center of the axis X2 in the standing state. At this time, the liquid crystal display unit 32 is directed in the directions indicated by the broken lines in FIGS. 5 and 4, respectively. In particular, in the storage state of FIG. 4, the crystal display unit 32 is protected to face the body rear end surface 11b. 10 is suitable for transportation.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a detection means 30 a is provided around the shaft pin 30. The detection unit 30a is configured in the same manner as the detection unit 29a, and can detect a change in the position state of the liquid crystal monitor block 25 about the axis X2. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the EEPROM 54 has a function C (S1; RIGHT, S2; LEFT, S3; UP, S4) in addition to the previous set of functions A and B as function settings of the operation units S1 to S4. DOWN) and function D (S1; LEFT, S2; RIGHT, S3; DOWN, S4; UP) are stored. When the detecting means 30a detects that the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is turned rightward about the axis X2, the function C is controlled. When it is detected that the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is turned leftward, the function D is controlled. The

  FIG. 10 is a control flow of a mode in which the liquid crystal monitor block 25 can be rotated about both the axis X1 and the axis X2, and the following control is added to the control flow of FIG. 7 described above. In S24, with respect to the liquid crystal monitor block 25 in the standing state, the presence or absence of rotation (tilting) in the left-right direction around the shaft pin 30 is detected by the detection means 30a. If there is a rotation, the process proceeds to S26, where it is determined whether or not the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is facing the right side of the camera. If it is directed to the right side, the process proceeds to S28, where the function C is read from the EEPROM 54, and the function assignment of the cross key 17 is set to the function C, that is, in the state of facing the right direction by the CPU 50. If it is determined that it is not facing right, the process proceeds to S30, and it is determined that the liquid crystal monitor block 25 is facing left, so that the function D is set. After the assignment to each function in S28 or S30, if the cross key 17 is operated, control corresponding to the function assignment in S1 to S4 is performed in S22. If not operated, the process skips S22 and returns.

  The digital camera 10 of the present embodiment can perform the intended selection control by always performing the same operation on the plurality of operation members (operation units) regardless of the use position of the liquid crystal monitor, by the above structure and control. Therefore, it is possible to improve the usability of the camera by the user and improve operability.

  In addition, since the change of the function state of each operation unit is notified by a notification means such as an LED, there is no possibility that the user will be confused even when the function assignment is updated.

  Although the embodiment applied to the digital camera 10 has been described above, the present invention can also be applied to portable devices other than the digital camera such as a mobile phone with a rotatable liquid crystal screen.

It is a front perspective view showing one embodiment of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied. It is the front perspective view which looked at the digital camera from the direction different from FIG. It is a rear view of the digital camera. It is the side view which looked at the digital camera from the grip side. It is a side view which shows the state which stood up the grip in the digital camera. It is a block diagram which shows the control block of the digital camera. It is a flowchart figure which shows control of the cross key function setting in the digital camera. It is a figure which shows the pattern of the cross key function setting in the digital camera. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an aspect in which the liquid crystal monitor block can be rotated about a second rotation axis in addition to the first rotation axis in the digital camera. It is a flowchart figure which shows control of a cross key function setting in the aspect which a liquid crystal monitor block can rotate with the 1st and 2nd rotating shaft.

Explanation of symbols

O Optical axis X1 X2 LCD monitor block rotation axis 10 Digital camera 11 Camera housing 11a Body front end face 11b Body rear end face 11c Body top face 11d Body bottom face 11e Body right side face 11f Body left side face 13 Power button 14 Mode dial 15 Playback button 16 Menu button 17 Cross key 24 External connector cover 25 Liquid crystal monitor block 26 Hinge portion 32 Liquid crystal display portion 40 Grip 50 CPU

Claims (10)

Display means capable of rotating the position relative to the camera housing;
Means for detecting the rotation of the display means and determining the orientation of the display screen;
A multidirectional operation member for operating the screen displayed on the display means;
Control means for controlling the function of operation by the multidirectional operation member;
With a digital camera equipped with
A digital camera characterized in that, when it is detected by the determining means that the screen orientation has been changed, the control means changes the function assignment of the plurality of operation units of the multidirectional operation member in accordance with the screen orientation. 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the multidirectional operation member is provided on an upper surface of the camera housing. 3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the display screen can be viewed in at least the front-rear direction of a plane perpendicular to the optical axis by rotation of the display means. 4. A digital camera according to claim 3, wherein the rotation of the display means is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis. 5. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a function notifying unit that notifies a function of each operation unit of the multidirectional operation member assigned by the control unit. 6. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the function notifying means is a light emitting means having a plurality of color light emitting sections, and the light emission color of the operation section is switched according to the judging means. 7. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein the light emitting means is an LED provided inside each operation portion of the multidirectional operation member. 8. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera can be connected to an external device including a monitor by a connector, has connector connection detection means, and the connector connection detection means detects connection of the connector. A digital camera characterized by prohibiting the function change of the multidirectional operation member. Display means capable of rotating the position relative to the camera housing;
A multidirectional operation member having a plurality of operation units for operating the screen displayed on the display means;
Function control means for changing the function assignment of the multi-directional operation member to a plurality of operation units according to a change in the rotation position of the display means with respect to the camera housing;
A digital camera characterized by comprising Display means capable of changing the screen position with respect to the operation unit;
Means for detecting a change in position of the display means and determining the orientation of the display screen;
An operation member provided on the operation unit for operating the screen displayed on the display means;
Control means for controlling the function of operation by the operation member;
With
A portable device characterized in that, when it is detected by the determining means that the screen orientation has been changed, the control means changes the operation function of the operating member in accordance with the orientation of the screen.

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